Printable checklist
Emergency Fund Checklist
The savings buffer that prevents every other crisis.
Starter fund
- $1,000 in a separate high-yield savings account
- Automate a weekly transfer, however small
Full fund
- 3 months of essential expenses (dual-income households)
- 6 months of essential expenses (single-income or freelance)
- Keep it liquid — no CDs, no brokerages
Maintenance
- Refill within 90 days after any withdrawal
- Recalculate target when rent/mortgage/childcare changes